Rui Costa: “Trying to link Benfica’s success with Estado Novo is wrong, unfair and false”

The approach of the 50th anniversary of the April Revolution prompted João Malheiro, a well-known Reds supporter, to write a book, Cartilha da Benficofobia, to dispel the myth that Luz would be protected by the Estado Novo. The preface to the work was written by Rui Costa, and the Eagles president acted as its immediate supervisor. “Trying to link the greatness and success of Benfica with the Estado Novo is wrong, unfair and false. Benfica was already huge and winning before the dictatorship and continues to be so after it,” the Reds leader wrote, pointing out some facts that debunk this myth .

“During the 48 years of suspension, Benfica has continued to grow steadily and strengthened its leading position in the national sport. She did this despite never succumbing to the propaganda of the Estado Novo, refusing to submit to imposed customs or allowing herself to be an instrument of the political power of the time. It is especially interesting to note that even during the dictatorship in the country, “Sport Lisbon and Benfica continued to continuously hold free and democratic elections”, emphasizes Rui Costa in the preface, adding: “It is also gratifying to see many opponents of the dictatorship who were not only and remain fans Benfica, but in many cases have even played an important role in the fate of Sport Lisbon and Benfica over the past 48 years. And this is especially pleasing. It is noteworthy that just a few days after the revolution of April 25, the management of Benfica, led by Duarte Borges Coutinho, soon placed the club and its facilities at the disposal of the Council of National Salvation for any purpose in favor of the country and the world. Portuguese people.”

The presentation of the book took place on Tuesday late afternoon at the Cosme Damian Museum, as part of a meeting dedicated to the role of Benfica on April 25, with the participation of former Benfica glory such as Toni, José Augusto and Xu, in addition to vice-president Almeida Lima and Alsino Antonio, responsible for Benfica Legends. Also present were musicians Fernando Tordo and Paulo Carvalho, who are closely associated with April 25 thanks to the songs “Tourada” and “After Adeus” (which even served as a password for the revolution).